Newtonian physics dominated science for over two centuries. It found

Question

Newtonian physics dominated science for over two centuries. It found consistently successful application, becoming one of the most highly substantiated and accepted theories in the history of science. Nevertheless, Einstein’s theories came to show the fundamental limits of Newtonian physics and to surpass the Newtonian view in the early 1900s, giving rise once again to a physics that has so far enjoyed wide success.
Which one of the following logically follows from the statements above?

Which one of the following logically follows from the statements above?

A. The history of physics is characterized by a pattern of one successful theory subsequently surpassed by another.
B. Long-standing success or substantiation of a theory of physics is no guarantee that the theory will continue to be dominant indefinitely.
C. Every theory of physics, no matter how successful, is eventually surpassed by one that is more successful.
D. Once a theory of physics is accepted, it will remain dominant for centuries.
E. If a long-accepted theory of physics is surpassed, it must be surpassed by a theory that is equally successful.

LSAT question

Bunuel · Accepted Answer

OFFICIAL EXPLANATION

The correct answer choice is (B).

The stimulus tells the story of recent physics theories: Newtonian physics was preeminent for over two centuries, and despite widespread acknowledgment and confirmation it was surpassed by Einsteinian physics in the early 1900s.

Answer choice (A): The two theories cited in the stimulus are not sufficient to form a pattern, which is the basis of answer choice (A).

Answer choice (B): This is the correct answer. As shown by the case of Newtonian physics, success and substantiation is no guarantee of dominance.

Answer choice (C): This is an exaggerated answer that takes one instance and exaggerates it into a pattern. Although Newtonian physics was surpassed, this does not prove that every theory of physics will be eventually surpassed. The answer goes farther than the facts of the stimulus and fails the Fact Test.

Answer choice (D): Like answer choice (C), this answer goes too far. Although some theories of physics have been dominant for centuries, there is no guarantee that every theory will be dominant for that long.

Answer choice (E): Even though Einsteinian physics has enjoyed wide success in surpassing Newtonian physics, nowhere in the stimulus is there evidence to prove that each theory must be surpassed by an equally successful theory.

varun2014 · Answer

B could be the answer..

A- there might be a few theories that were not surpassed

C- it says "every", too specific

D - not necessarily true...

E - might be a theory that wouldn't last for 2 days

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andy2502 · Answer

A: No information about history of Physics except for Newtonian Physics and Einstein theory
B: Correct
C: No information about EVERY theory of Physics
D: Cannot infer about the dominance of theory for centuries
E: No logical inference

prashants412 · Answer

One theory which dominated and found successful application for a long time was overtaken by another, which pointed out the former's fundamental limits.

By elimination : B
A - Not logically related to the above information as there is no pattern mentioned.
B - Newtonian theory is a perfect intantiation of this.
C - "Every theory of physics" - is too strong a statement to use based on the above information.
D - Newtons theory dominated for 2 centuries becoming "one of the most accepted theories ". Other less accepted theories may or may not be dominant for centuries.
E - "Equally successful" is questionable for Einstein's theory

Abhishek009 · Answer

Newtonian physics ------>Surpassed by------>Einstein’s Theories

This is an inference question and based on the stimulus , (B) clearly flows from the passage...

Hence correct answer must be (B)

sleepynut · Answer

In my 2 cents,

A.The history of physics is characterized by a pattern of one successful theory subsequently surpassed by another.
 -- there is no mention of the pattern of successful theory

B.Long-standing success or substantiation of a theory of physics is no guarantee that the theory will continue to be dominant indefinitely.
 -- This is it !! Since the passage start with the success of Newtonian physics,then it was surpass by Einstein's theories.

C.Every theory of physics, no matter how successful, is eventually surpassed by one that is more successful.
 -- " Every theory " is too strong word.The passage just mentions that Einstein's theories surpasses Newtonian physics.

D.Once a theory of physics is accepted, it will remain dominant for centuries.
 -- Not necessary true.Newtonian physics is just one of the example that remained dominant for centuries.

E.If a long-accepted theory of physics is surpassed, it must be surpassed by a theory that is equally successful.
 -- There is no comparison between the success of two mention things-Newtonian physics and Einstein's theories.

abhishekdadarwal2009 · Answer

Newtonian physics dominated science for over two centuries. It found consistently successful application, becoming one of the most highly substantiated and accepted theories in the history of science. Nevertheless, Einstein’s theories came to show the fundamental limits of Newtonian physics and to surpass the Newtonian view in the early 1900s, giving rise once again to a physics that has so far enjoyed wide success. 
Which one of the following logically follows from the statements above?
A.The history of physics is characterized by a pattern of one successful theory subsequently surpassed by another.
 The condition stated may not be correct always and may the pattern may deviate,so the answer choice is incorrect. 
B.Long-standing success or substantiation of a theory of physics is no guarantee that the theory will continue to be dominant indefinitely.
 Correct Answer 
C.Every theory of physics, no matter how successful, is eventually surpassed by one that is more successful.
 The choice is good but the use of the work 'Every' is very bold and thus will not be an appropriate choice. 
D.Once a theory of physics is accepted, it will remain dominant for centuries.
 Not necessary 
E.If a long-accepted theory of physics is surpassed, it must be surpassed by a theory that is equally successful.
 No such inference.

AkshdeepS · Answer

A. The history of physics  is characterized by a pattern of one successful theory subsequently surpassed by another.

B.Long-standing success or substantiation of a theory of physics is no guarantee that the theory will continue to be dominant indefinitely.

C. Every theory of physics , no matter how successful, is eventually surpassed by one that is more successful.

D.Once a theory of physics is accepted, it will remain  dominant for centuries.

E.If a long-accepted theory of physics is surpassed, it must be surpassed by a theory that is  equally successful.

Only B can be inferred from the passage.

VerbalBot · Answer

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Newtonian physics dominated science for over two centuries. It found

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